Carmen Castillo Yee

Carmen Castillo Yee passed away peacefully on 6/2/23. With deep reliance on her Catholic faith, she leaves a lasting impact of family, generosity and concern for others. Born on 7/16/34 to Joe and Antonia Castillo on a ranch in Goleta, Carmen was raised in a caring and loving household. She was active in her high school years as a tall flag twirler and graduated from Santa Barbara High in 1953. Her early employment included St Francis Hospital and working as a beautician. Carmen returned to the profession when her last children were in high school, attending SBCC to renew her license. Carmen was well known to clients, friends and relatives for her kind, giving and gentle disposition.

Marrying John H. Yee in 1957, she raised a large and active family. Early on, Carmen and John resolved to provide their family with the best foundation in life, which included a parochial school (St Raphael’s and Bishop Diego) and a university education for all eight of their children. Proud of her children’s accomplishments, she never gave up on any of them, even when they struggled. Binding that together, family unity was very important and always encouraged. Carmen was never happier than when the entire family was together.

Her home was always open for warm company and a hearty feast. Deeply engaged in her children’s activities, Carmen volunteered at numerous places- yard duty, lunchroom, Cub Scout den mother, library assistant, room mom and Sunday school teacher. Carmen belonged to numerous community activities including bowling league and prayer groups.

Possessing a generous heart, Carmen consistently helped people down on their luck with encouragement and financial support. The sacraments, rosary adoration and prayer were the foundation of her charity. A special event in Carmen’s life was a family religious pilgrimage to Medugorje, Yugoslavia.

Carmen is survived by children John (Holly) Yee, Patricia (Francisco) Gutierrez, William (Lisa) Yee, James (Etsuko) Yee, Melissa (Ken) Rojas, Mark (Sarah) Yee, Michael (Pam) Yee and Steven (Laura) Yee; grandchildren Chris, Courtney (Kory), Matt (Cristina), Natalia, Liliana, Dylan, Cruz, Ayla, Daniel, Alison, Veronica, Analysia, Elijah, Avery, Lucrecia, Odetta and Koa; brothers Robert, Alex, Tony and Sam; and a large extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband John, parents Joe and Antonia, siblings Daniel, Eleanor, Gilbert, Irma, Ruben and Amelia.

Memorial services at St Raphael’s Church:
Rosary Thursday 6/22/23 7pm and Funeral Mass Friday 6/23/23 10am followed by graveside services at Calvary Cemetery Santa Barbara, CA. Donations may be made to the Padre Pio Foundation, One Time Gift Donation.